Chief tells AER to 'lawyer up' as report finds guidelines adopted in Kearl leaks

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A report concludes the Alberta Power Regulator (AER) adopted its guidelines on communication after Imperial Oil’s Kearl mine spilled thousands and thousands of litres of wastewater into the encompassing panorama. However the report additionally discovered that the AER’s present procedures on communication are considerably missing in particulars or poorly outlined.

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Indigenous leaders downstream from the place the leaks occurred have rejected the report’s findings and suggestions.

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ACFN, MCFN reject report’s findings

Indigenous communities downstream from the oilsands mine had been livid. First Nation and Métis leaders accused the AER and the corporate of conserving them in the dead of night for months. Members had hunted, fished and foraged within the space, they added.

The Regional Municipality of Wooden Buffalo and the federal government of the Northwest Territories had been additionally upset with how the AER and Imperial Oil dealt with the incident.

Chief Allan Adam of the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation stated he was not impressed with the report and known as for the AER to be disbanded. In an interview, Adam stated the report was an try at “absolving” itself.

“This had a direct impression on our treaty rights. I’ve been calling for an overhaul on the AER for over 12 years. In my opinion, you don’t let the individuals who had been a part of the issue give you options,” stated Adam in an interview.

“They higher lawyer up as a result of ACFN is coming. We’re going to take the AER and the Alberta authorities to court docket, and we’ll most likely go after Canada as nicely as a result of they’re a part of the system.”

Chief Billy-Joe Tuccaro of the Mikisew Cree First Nation additionally rejected the report’s findings and informed The Canadian Press “our belief is damaged.”

AER Board Chair David Goldie stated in a press release that the board has accepted the report and its suggestions.

“The Board is dedicated to making sure the AER strikes swiftly to deal with Deloitte’s operational and communication suggestions. I’ve requested AER Administration to develop an operational implementation plan,” stated Goldie.

“Doing so will make sure that the AER is extra ready and succesful as a regulator and can assist to make sure we higher meet expectations of Indigenous communities and key stakeholders.”

-with recordsdata from The Canadian Press

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